H.O.P.E.
How Our People Endure.
I’m still taking in what this event became. People flew in, drove in, showed up from different parts of the country just to be in that room. That means the world to me. To know we created a space that could reach people like that, move them, and stay with them after they left, I don’t take that lightly. Even now, people are still coming up to me saying this changed their perspective, inspired them, gave them something they needed. That’s exactly what this event was for!
I named this event H.O.P.E. because I wanted us to sit with what it really means to endure. Not just surviving through things, or reacting to bad news, but continuing to build, create, and organize in the middle of it all. Over this past year, we’ve faced a lot, but through the turmoil we’ve also created new traditions, cultivated new cultures, and found ways to keep thriving together. That’s what it means to endure.
Angela Davis spoke about the power of collective struggle, about how we are shaped by each other and not meant to do this work alone. She reminded us that there are many ways to contribute, and that value should not be measured by visibility or risk. She spoke about what our people have created in the midst of repression, and how that creation is part of the work itself. That stayed with me and I hope it resonates with all of you.
Thank you to Dr. Angela Davis for your presence, your words, and your time. Thank you to Dr. Faulkner, and
@thatanarkatamuslim for your support and guidance. Thank you to all of our sponsors, partners, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this happen. And thank you to everyone who showed up, near or far, and made the space what it was. This only happened because of all of you!
photos by
@ihatetete 
